May 14

On May 14, 1870, Nelson College and the Nelson Rugby Football Club contested New Zealand's first documented rugby match. Played on the school grounds, the game introduced a British sport that would become a national passion. Students and locals gathered to witness scrums and tries in the colonial outpost. The rules followed those of Rugby School in England, reflecting the era's sporting ties to Britain. Interest in the match sparked the formation of more clubs and interprovincial competitions. Rugby's rapid spread helped forge community identity and camaraderie across New Zealand. Today, it remains the country's most beloved sport, with roots tracing back to this humble debut.

The 1900 Paris Olympic Games were held as part of the Exposition Universelle in Paris. They marked the second edition of the modern Olympics and were controversially integrated into the World's Fair program. For the first time, women were allowed to compete, featuring events like tennis and golf. The competitions spanned over five months, from May to October. Approximately 997 athletes from 24 countries participated in 85 events. The informal organization led to confusion over which events were officially part of the Olympics. Despite its shortcomings, the 1900 Games laid foundations for future international sporting competitions.

On May 14, 2008, tensions flared as Zenit Saint Petersburg and Glasgow Rangers fans clashed in Piccadilly Gardens before the UEFA Cup final. Hundreds of supporters confronted Greater Manchester Police in violent skirmishes involving bottles, fireworks, and other projectiles. The unrest resulted in injuries to 39 police officers and damage to public property, with one police dog also hurt. Authorities arrested 39 individuals on charges ranging from public disorder to assault. The incident highlighted concerns over rival football fans and the challenges of policing major sporting events. Manchester’s city centre saw a heavier security presence for subsequent fixtures, and organizers reviewed crowd control measures. The clashes remain a stark reminder of the darker side of football fanaticism.